Smith says rehab progressing well

Wide receiver Steve Smith said he is making good progress in his recovery from microfracture surgery on his left knee in December.

"I just got out of a really tough workout in the pool right now," Smith told ESPN New York 1050 radio. "I am running in the pool, doing a lot of strength work and I am doing pretty good. Things are looking good for me. I'm really excited and I can't wait to get this lockout done."

When the lockout ends, the Giants hope to be able to re-sign Smith. He was given a second-round tender before the impasse began, but the rules could change under a new collective bargaining agreement. Smith is one of several free agents with less than six years of accrued service who could become unrestricted free agents depending on what the free agency rules end up being.

"It is a little bit of uncertainty but I am confident, the Giants want me there and I want to be there," Smith said. "I love New York and I love the fans and we have had so much success there, I just hope that we can get a deal done and I will be back."

Smith suffered the injury during a Dec. 12 game against Minnesota. Up until then, he had 48 receptions for 529 yards and three touchdowns for the season.

--Giants offensive players continue to work out at Hoboken (N.J.) High School, but there is reason why defensive players haven't attended.

Defensive lineman Justin Tuck had planned to organize practices for the defense, but opted not to because of "safety" issues.

"I know how we are," Tuck said. "We kind of have a tendency to get a little competitive when we start working out together. So we wouldn't want anything stupid to happen. The best way to prevent that is to have nothing organized."

Tuck said players are still working out together, but not in a practice setting.

"I like the fact that Eli (Manning) has stepped up and gotten guys together," Tuck said. "But for us and for me personally, I just chose to make sure guys are working out and doing the right things for safety reasons."

Because of those safety concerns, there were only five offensive players working this week, compared to 11 when the Manning-led practices began May 3.

Tuck also noted timing and practice is more important for offensive players.

"With Eli and his receivers, I think it's more important for them to be on the right page when they come to camp," Tuck said. "For (us), I think it won't take us as long to get in our groove."